What to do when asked if I have another offer and I* don't? Forum

[Rose789]

I'm certain that this has been covered in threads before, but I can't seem to find it again. When in an interview and asked if you have another offer, but you don't, how can this question be answered honestly and, more importantly, gracefully? What about when asked if you have had other interviews, but have not had one anywhere "impressive"?

[Anonymous User]

haha, hello me. was asked this [recently]. I was told, "we'll let you know in about a week." then "what's your timeline in terms of other offers (or something like that)?" i said, "well, i have a few other things going on (something similarly vague). I have a few weeks, so there's some flexibility." was told, "OK." i dunno, maybe should have said "i have nothing. please give me a job." i thought it was better to bluff than look pathetic, i spose. I hope this isnt my interviewer trolling me, btw.

[thegrayman]

I would say something like "I'm considering a few other options, but I have until the [date ~3 weeks from now] to make my decision."

I would be very wary of letting anyone know you don't have anything else lined up

[Anonymous User]

I was asked that on callbacks when i didnt have any offers yet but still hadn't heard from callbacks I had done I just said that I was still waiting to hear from x amount of firms from recent callbacks

[Anonymous User]

I would say something like "I'm considering a few other options, but I have until the [date ~3 weeks from now] to make my decision."

I would be very wary of letting anyone know you don't have anything else lined up

yeah, i hope you're right...

[Anonnn]

Alternatively, "I'd like to have my decision made by [next week, end of the month, December 21, 2012]."

That should suffice IMHO.

[anon168]

I'm certain that this has been covered in threads before, but I can't seem to find it again. When in an interview and asked if you have another offer, but you don't, how can this question be answered honestly and, more importantly, gracefully?

Even though it's late in the OCi process, try to frame it this way:

"I only started my private sector job search very recently, and have targeted a select few firms that I believe not only do cutting-edge work but would offer a young associate exciting opportunities going forward. This was one of the few firms that fit those criteria, and you were one of the first firms that I have spoken with. I have several others I am looking at, but the process is at its nascent stages at this time."

What about when asked if you have had other interviews, but have not had one anywhere "impressive"?

Unless you are in a totally insular and parochial market (like Trenton or Denver), go ahead and lie and name-drop. No fucking RC is going to follow and check, and really if any RC was asked this question, I'm not so sure they would disclose it. (All the self-righteous people can feel free to start bashing away at me)